Home of Oklahoma's sixth territorial governor, built in 1901 and now richly restored.
Admission is free and you can tour this wonderful home on Monday through Thursday from 11a - 4p, Fridays, 12:30p - 3:30p and Saturdays 10:30a - 3:30p
T.B. Ferguson Home
519 N. Weigle
Watonga, OK 73772
580.623.5069
The story of T. B. Ferguson T. B. Ferguson was born in 1857 near Des Moines, Iowa. Although he was trained to be a teacher and a Methodist minister, Ferguson began writing occasional articles for a local newspaper and became interested in journalism. After the 1892 land run, Ferguson brought his family to Watonga, Oklahoma where he established the Watonga Republican. He remained the publisher of this newspaper until his death in 1921. Ferguson was appointed territorial governor in 1901 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
During his administration, deficit spending was eliminated and he strongly supported increasing funds for education and prison reform. He organized the Board of Agriculture and strongly promoted Oklahoma's participation in the St. Louis World's Fair in 1903. Ferguson pressed for legislation setting qualifications for persons teaching school in Oklahoma.
He pressed for the "herd law," which required land to be fenced to prevent herds of cattle from damaging or destroying settlers' crops. Governor Ferguson was also responsible for a law allowing osteopaths to practice in Oklahoma and upgrading Oklahoma's mental institutions.
Perhaps his greatest contribution was his unwavering devotion to the cause of immediate statehood for Oklahoma Territory. Ferguson was governor from November, 1901, until January, 1906, longer than any other territorial governor.
On the inside front cover of Edna Ferber's best selling novel, "Cimarron" is an illustration of a horse drawn covered wagon being guided by a strong and determined woman. Perched upon the high seat of the wagon is a small boy. The mother's face is eloquent, full of fearless faith; faith that ignores the stress of hardship and sacrifice. The boy is alert and radiates excitement. The woman is Elva Shartel Ferguson and the boy is Walter Ferguson; Wife and son of T. B. Ferguson. The picture is is N.C. Wyeths rendition of the Ferguson family's entrance into Oklahoma during the Land Run of 1889. The "old west" story of the T. B. Ferguson family inspired a best selling novel and an Oscar winning movie. And only in Watonga at the T. B. Ferguson home can one relive the journey of one of the pioneers who helped to shape Oklahoma. The Ferguson home was built in 1901 and was home to Elva and T. B. Ferguson for the rest of their lives. After Elva's death in 1947 the house was sold and fell into disrepair. About twenty years later an effort began to see the home restored and turned into a museum, and on October 3rd, 1972 the T. B. Ferguson Museum opened its doors to the public. It is of course still open and free to the public, though donations are appreciated to pay for the expenses incurred maintaining this important historical site.
Help Support our Ferguson Home
Chicken Noodle Dinner
Friday, March 13th
Including hot rolls, green beans, tossed salad, tea or coffee and T. B. Ferguson Birthday Cake!
Proceeds to help pay for Ferguson Home improvements and continued maintenance.
Serving hours 5 to 6:30 pm, Friends of Ferguson Home
Sponsors
Blaine County Fairgrounds - Foley Building
Adults $6 (under 12 - $4) donations accepted